02 Sep 7 Tips for Making Your Dental Implants Last Longer
Summary
Want your dental implants to last a lifetime? Check out these 7 easy tips to protect your smile and boost your oral health.
Dental implants are one of the most reliable, long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. They’re popular because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. But more importantly, they can restore confidence, chewing ability, and oral health. But just like natural teeth, they still require care and attention to stay healthy and intact.
If you’ve already had dental implants placed or you’re thinking about it, these practical tips will help you get the most out of them.
1. Stick to a Consistent Cleaning Routine
Dental implants won’t get cavities, but they’re still vulnerable to plaque, tartar, and gum disease. Brush your teeth twice daily (or between all your meals) with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use interdental brushes to clean around your implant. And be thorough, especially near the gumline.
2. Choose Implant-Friendly Products
Harsh toothpaste and stiff brushes can damage the surface of your crown or irritate surrounding tissue. Look for toothpaste that’s non-abrasive and doesn’t contain whitening agents. You may also want to consider a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas gently.
3. Prioritize Routine Dental Visits
Seeing your dentist every six months or so is best. These visits allow your team to monitor your implants, ensure the surrounding bone and gums are healthy, and professionally clean areas your brush can’t reach.
4. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Dental implants are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Crunching hard foods like hard candy, ice, or popcorn kernels can crack or loosen the crown. Sticky foods like caramel and gum may pull at the implant and trap bacteria near the gumline. Be mindful about what you chew.
5. Address Your Teeth Grinding Early
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, can really damage implants by placing too much pressure on them, especially at night. If you think you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist. A custom nightguard can protect your implants and reduce strain on your jaw.
6. Watch for Gum Inflammation or Bleeding
Dental implants rely on healthy gums to stay stable. Watch for constantly red, swollen, or bleeding gums around your implant. It could be an early sign of infection or peri-implantitis. If you’re not sure, it’s always better to ask your dentist.
7. Support Your Overall Health
Your overall health and wellness will impact your oral health. Conditions like diabetes or immune disorders can slow healing and increase the risks of implant failure. Smoking is another risk factor. By taking care of your health, you support the long-term success of your implants.
Dental implants can actually last a lifetime, too, with proper care. Treat them like your natural teeth. Clean them well, protect them, and stay on top of your dental visits.
Looking to explore implants or check on the health of the ones you already have? Visit us online to schedule your appointment. Let’s keep your smile strong and your oral health thriving.